January 10, 2022

Adam Gwilt: The Pembrokeshire Chariot Burial Project (Cambrian Christmas Lecture 2021)

Adam Gwilt of Amgueddfa Cymru–National Museum of Wales discusses one of the most remarkable late prehistoric finds of recent times, an Iron Age chariot burial discovered in 2018 in Pembrokeshire. This chariot burial is a unique discovery for Wales and is now the subject of a major ongoing heritage partnership. Starting with the find of a lifetime made by metal-detectorist Mike Smith and reported as a treasure find, archaeological surveys and excavations in 2018 and 2019 involved the discovery of a previously unknown Iron Age fort, the complete excavation of a chariot, and the careful and successful conservation lifting of the surviving chariot fittings and grave goods for the national collection. The talk touches upon some of the research questions and challenges now being asked and addressed by the project, while illustrating how the project approach is enabling wider volunteer and community engagements and participation. The talk also outlines plans for final publication and public presentations of this exceptional find.